5 ways to keep firearms safe in your home

While walking the floor of the 2014 NRA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, I came across many different ways to store firearms. Keeping your firearms secure is extremely important, especially if you have children. Below are 5 ways to keep firearms safe in your home.

 

 

Safes

At my house, we own a large safe to store our various sized firearms. There are many different sizes, features and accessories for safes, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than $5,000. Features may include fire-safety rating (including the temperature and amount of time,) strength of materials, and security features. Accessories include anything from jewelry drawers and pistol racks, to handgun and bow hangers.

Although the most secure way to store your firearms, this is not where I would store a firearm for home protection. When time is of the essence, struggling to remember the combination and getting the turns of the wheel correct would be futile. Gross motor skills dominate when under stressful situations.

 

RAPiD Safe by Hornady Security

For those who want the piece of mind of knowing your self-defense pistol is secured, yet have the ability of quick access in a self-defense situation, this is the safe for you. There are multiple access options including, a Radio Frequency Identification bracelet, card, key fob, a personally programmed code or a key lock. Upon opening, the removable internal RAPiDsleeve presents my handgun at the perfect angle, using both AC power and a battery backup. With the design of this safe, Hornady has created a secure, yet easily accessible, device.

MSRP: $276.67

 

 

Tactical Wall

I am intrigued by Tactical Walls. Disguised to look like a mirror or picture in your house, these moveable walls not only hide, but also secure your various sized firearms. Fitting between the studs in the walls, the 1450M Bundle has the ability to hold 2 rifles, 2 handguns, a flashlight and other items you may need. The magnetic locking mirrored cover comes in different finishes. Hiding in plain sight, yet secure!

MSRP: $50 to $490

 

Secret Compartment Furniture

Secret Compartment Furniture is a woman-owned company, and the founder, Jill Herro, lives only 20 minutes from me. Her high-quality, Amish made furniture it not only beautiful and sturdy, but also holds secrets. Yes, somewhere within the drawers, doors or moldings may lie a pistol, rifle or shotgun. With easy access (if you know the secret) and located anywhere in plain view in your home (who would know …right?) these are the perfect storage areas for a home-defense firearm. From the Shaker style beds ($1,500) to the hall tree ($399), there is something for any style home. With your choice of wood and stain, your options are endless. My favorite piece is the gorgeous tall bookshelf ($1,895). Not only could I display my books, but also I could hide many items in the secret compartments.

MSRP: $169 to $2,395

 

 

Locks and trigger guards

The least expensive way to safely store your firearms is with cable locks and trigger guards. These come in various shapes and sizes. They can be opened with keys, combinations and other devises. Many times you can get these free from your local police or sheriff’s departments. A great online resource is Project Child Safe, a nationwide program that promotes safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearm owners through the distribution of safety education messages and free firearm safety kits. All new firearms come with trigger guards and locks.

Regardless of your personal needs and how you decide to store your firearms, if the firearm you are storing is for home defense, remember to train with it, regularly. A friend of mine, Andrew Blubaugh, owner of Apex Shooting and Tactics and fellow trainer, offers these suggestions for training when you use a firearms storage device.

• If your firearm is stored in a locking safe, open it in the dark (or with your eyes closed) every night. You should be able to get to your firearms quickly, without fumbling.
• With an UNLOADED gun, regularly practice retrieving that UNLOADED firearm from its stored location and dry fire at a target. Do not store ammo and guns together.
• If you can take your storage device to the range, practice there with live fire rounds.
• Repetition is the key. Being able to easily retrieve a stored firearm and get on target quickly is of the utmost importance.

 

 

Although no storage device is 100% impenetrable, there are some rules you can share with your children on Project Childsafe’s website.

• Don’t go snooping or allow other kids to go snooping, for guns in the house.
• If you find a gun in your house, or anywhere else, STOP! Do not touch it or allow anyone else to. Leave the area and be sure to immediately tell an adult.
• Even if a gun looks like a toy, don’t touch it. Some real guns look like toy guns, so don’t take a chance. Leave the area and immediately tell an adult.

 

How do you keep your firearms secure in your home?

 

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  About Michelle Cerino

  Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino →